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I wondered how they would pull off having a "Dark Archer" after having killed both Merlyns in Season 1. Seeing the similar gear, and knowing that one of Malcolm's proteges is coming to town very soon, has answered my questions. If you think about it, they have put their own twist on Merlyn being Oliver's mentor:

1. Malcolm Merlyn 'taught' Oliver 'what he was fighting for', as Oliver said in the finale.
2. Tommy Merlyn and Oliver's dedication to cleaning up the city while honoring his friend is teaching Oliver to move away from the murderous Hood and become The Green Arrow.

While both Merlyns are dead, their legacy lives on in Oliver and in the League of Assassins members who take on Malcolm's role to challenge the Green Arrow, likely for two reasons: first, the death of their agent(s) in Starling City, and second, his continual interference in keeping them from Sara and whatever motives they'll have. I do not think Ra's Al'ghul or the League will be the main villain of this season, but I would be very surprised if they didn't become a recurring villain archetype throughout the series, with Ra's making a trip in Season 5 as a sort of 'completion project'. I still think that Blood is the main villain Arrow-side while Rochev remains the Queen-side villain of this season. Though I personally hope to see a combination again next season of one main villain with dual identities like Oliver. Perhaps another member of the League?

If you think about it, they have put their own twist on Merlyn being Oliver's mentor:

1. Malcolm Merlyn 'taught' Oliver 'what he was fighting for', as Oliver said in the finale.
2. Tommy Merlyn and Oliver's dedication to cleaning up the city while honoring his friend is teaching Oliver to move away from the murderous Hood and become The Green Arrow.